“Our goal moving forward is to really take on more of an educational approach, making people more aware of the realities of mental illness.” — Selena Saikaley, president of the U of O chapter of DIFD.
Krista Van Slingerland
As a whole, the Gee-Gees teams were incredibly well represented, showing the strength of their seasons.
Before the Gees got their rhythm they fell by a 26-point margin, with a final score of 73-47, ending their season in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) quarterfinal.
Both the Gee-Gees and Ravens were five and three after the first half of the season. Carleton was hot off a three-game winning streak, but the Gees were the better shooting team with 41 per cent compared to the Ravens’ 36.
Last year, two University of Ottawa students began what they hope will be the “unifying” initiative for student athletes in need of mental health resources. Women’s basketball shooting guard Van Slingerland who went through her own mental illness two years ago, and co–founder graduate Samantha DeLenardo are now hosting Make Some Noise in order to educate coaches, athletes, and sports administrative population about Student Athlete Mental Health Initiative (SAMHI).
Transitions are never easy, but moving from one rival to another is even more difficult—especially a crosstown rival.
